One of the SEC powerhouses is going to fall this Saturday! The LSU vs Texas A&M matchup is going to be one of the biggest games in Week 9. LSU secured the No. 8 spot on the AP Poll ranking after their big 34-10 win against Arkansas. But can they triumph over No. 14 Texas A&M on the road? Brian Kelly has reasons to feel confident about the Tigers going forward. What did he reveal?

In a new YouTube episode by mkraj13 on October 23, Brian Kelly got on the ‘Paul Finebaum Show’ to talk about his team. “SEC on the road and looking to find consistency in performance and, you know, we’re starting to get that from our team.” He also delivered a warning to their SEC opponent, Texas A&M, in the upcoming road game, saying:

“We’re playing much better defensively… What we needed to do in this program was to upgrade our defense. We were playing very well on the offensive side of the ball, but getting the defense to play to a standard and that’s what we’re getting. We’re getting some individual performances that are outstanding, but as a unit, when you go on the road, ‘pack a defense’ as they say, right? And that’s the best way to feel better about your team going on the road.”

Offensively, LSU ranks 25 in the nation with 3,155 yards with an average of 6.53 yards per play in seven games played. On defense, they rank 67 allowing 2,509 total yards. But if you look at their season, they’ve been improving week by week. The last game against rival Arkansas not only displayed the Tigers’ strong offense but also highlighted the improvement on the defensive side. 

LSU was offensively dominant in Week 8 and didn’t allow any three-and-outs while maintaining and protecting the ball. Star QB Garrett Nussmeier ended the game with 233 yards. But it was also thanks to the defense that had Arkansas under pressure throughout the game and allowed just 10 points on eight offensive possessions.

Sophomore LB Whit Weeks was the defensive star of the game, recording nine tackles, a sack, and an interception. If they can maintain plays like this, they could be the top SEC leader. 

Who will be the SEC top dog?

Two of the top leaders Georgia and Texas both fell to Alabama and Georgia, respectively. Hence, only LSU and Texas A&M remain the sole undefeated SEC, fighting for the coveted conference title.

Right now, LSU is 6-1 into the season with three wins in the SEC and even enticed a coveted prospect. The Aggies are also coming off a victory against Mississippi State with a 6-1 record. But they’re already four wins in the SEC. Can they deliver an upset to the Tigers? 

The Aggies will have a home-field advantage as Brian Kelly and the Tigers travel to Texas for their big SEC game at Kyle Field. Ahead of this highly anticipated game, Texas A&M HC Mike Elko said, “The challenge is the week-in, week-out in this league. You cannot help but get into situations where the game is on the line coming down the stretch. Your ability to make those plays is everything… That’s just SEC football.”

But in the LSU and Texas A&M series history, the former leads 32-23-3. So we will have to wait and see what happens. Do you have any favorites between these two SEC title contenders? Let us know in the comments below.